The Samaria Gorge
is the longest in Europe, with a total length of 18km. The width of the
gorge is 150 metres at its widest to 3 metres at its narrowest. Its
status as a national park protects its rare flora and fauna.

The
walk through the gorge takes between 6 and 8 hours. The path runs
downhill but requires strong, comfortable footwear and some degree of
physical fitness.

The gorge begins at Xiloskalo
(Wooden Stairs) which, as the name suggests, is a wooden staircase
descending steeply to the river bed through an impressive forest of
trees and exceptional views. At the bottom, near the small church of Agios Nikolaos,
one can relax for a few minutes and enjoy the view. The path then
follows the river bed. Here the mountains tower more than 2,000 metres
above sea level.

The highlight of the walk is
the Sidheres Portes or Iron Gates. Here the walls of the gorge are only
3 metres apart and tower to 600 metres on either side. You can glimpse
the blue sea in the distance.

Agia Roumeli lies at the end of the gorge. From here boats take you to Hora Sfakion where buses transport visitors back to Chania.